The month of Sha‘ban al-Mu‘azzam is a very blessed month. The Noble Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said: Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha‘ban is my month, and Ramadan is the month of my Ummah. In this very month comes a night known as Shab-e-Bara’at.
The fifteenth night of Sha‘ban is called Shab-e-Bara’at, meaning the night in which, through the grace and mercy of Allah Almighty, Muslims are freed from the punishment of their sins. Approximately ten Companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them) have narrated traditions regarding this night. Here we present a few narrations for the benefit of the Muslim community.
1. Sayyidah Aisha Siddiqah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates: On the fifteenth night of Sha‘ban, when I did not find the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in his resting place, I went out searching and found him in Jannat al-Baqi‘ cemetery. When I reached there, he said: Tonight is the fifteenth night of Sha‘ban. On this night Allah Almighty descends to the lowest heaven in a manner befitting His majesty and forgives more sinners than the number of hairs on the goats of the tribe of Banu Kalb.
2. Another narration states: On this night, the names of all children to be born in the coming year are written, the names of those who will die are recorded, the deeds of people are presented, and their provisions are distributed.
3. Another narration says: On this night forgiveness is granted to all creation except seven types of people:
- One who associates partners with Allah
- One who disobeys parents
- One who harbors hatred
- A habitual drunkard
- A murderer
- One who lets his garment hang below the ankles out of pride
- A tale-bearer or backbiter
These seven people are not forgiven unless they repent sincerely.
4. A narration from Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) states: Spend this night in worship and fast during the day that follows. From sunset, Allah turns special attention toward His servants and announces: Who seeks forgiveness so that I may forgive him? Who asks for sustenance so that I may provide for him? Who is afflicted so that I may grant relief?
From these narrations and the practices of the Companions and righteous elders, three acts are established for this night:
1. Visiting graveyards
Visiting the cemetery to pray for the deceased and convey reward to them is established. The Prophet (peace be upon him) himself visited Jannat al-Baqi‘ on this night. Visiting at least once in life with the intention of following the Sunnah brings reward. Cleaning graves and placing fresh flowers is permissible, but lighting candles or incense on graves is not permissible and should not be considered part of Shab-e-Bara’at rituals. Whatever is proven from the Prophet should be practiced only in that manner.
2. Worship at home
Offering voluntary prayers, reciting the Qur’an, and engaging in remembrance of Allah are permissible and part of the practices of Ahl al-Sunnah. Voluntary worship is best performed in solitude, bringing one closer to Allah. These blessed nights are not meant for noise and festivities but for quiet reflection and strengthening one’s relationship with Allah.
3. Fasting during the day
Fasting on the following day is recommended, supported by the narration of Sayyiduna Ali and by the Prophet’s regular practice of fasting on the 13th, 14th, and 15th days of each lunar month.
However, lighting fireworks, causing disturbance, or roaming about pointlessly all night are wasteful acts. Satan aims to distract people from worship and forgiveness through such activities.
Offering Halwa and Reciting Fatiha
The Prophet, compassionate and merciful, loved the forgiveness and salvation of his Ummah above all things. Narrations mention that at birth and at the time of his passing, he supplicated:
“Rabbi hab li ummati” — O my Lord, forgive my Ummah.
He will make the same supplication on the Day of Judgment while standing at the Bridge (Sirat). This blessed night is also one of forgiveness. The Prophet used to visit Jannat al-Baqi‘ and pray for forgiveness on this night. Hence, it is special both for the Prophet and his community.
The Prophet also loved sweets and honey. It is narrated in Tirmidhi and other collections from Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her):
“The Messenger of Allah loved honey and sweets.”
Therefore, sweets such as halwa are offered as charity and devotion on this night, seeking the pleasure of the Prophet and praying for the forgiveness and salvation of the Ummah. For this noble intention, offering food and reciting Fatiha over it is considered permissible and recommended.
This tradition has been practiced by our elders for centuries. May Allah grant acceptance to these acts and forgive us, our parents, our spiritual guides, our children, our students, teachers, relatives, and the entire Ummah. May He protect Muslims everywhere, especially grant victory and support to the oppressed Muslims of Palestine.
Ameen, O Lord of the Worlds, for the sake of the Leader of the Messengers, peace and blessings be upon him.
Written by:
Abu al-Hammad Muhammad Israfiel Haidari al-Madari
Darun Noor, Astana Aliya Zinda Shah Madar
Makanpur Sharif, Kanpur
Contact: 9793347086
